A rare 1950s railbus is set to be restored for use on a sustainable shuttle service aimed at easing congestion and protecting the landscape
A HISTORIC railbus restoration project could pave the way for a new environmentally sustainable shuttle service between Llangollen and Berwyn, helping to reduce traffic congestion and parking pressures at Horseshoe Falls.
Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced plans to restore Railbus No. 79962, a rare 1958-built vehicle and one of only four surviving examples of its type in the world. Once restored, the railbus is expected to begin operating on the route by 2028.
The project, due to begin in February 2026, will see the railbus arrive on loan from the Vintage Carriages Trust, one of the UK’s leading accredited railway museums. The partnership aims to combine heritage preservation with modern transport and environmental priorities.
Lightweight, economical and seating around 56 passengers, the railbus was originally designed for use on quieter routes, offering flexible and efficient services. Its low fuel use and ability to run frequent short journeys make it particularly suited to today’s sustainability challenges.
A key ambition of the project is the introduction of a Llangollen to Berwyn Shuttle, an idea that has attracted strong interest from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The proposed service would offer visitors an alternative to car travel during busy periods, helping to ease congestion and protect the sensitive landscape around Horseshoe Falls.
Railway officials say the project reflects a growing focus on responsible tourism and improving access to the Dee Valley while reducing environmental impact.
Tim Pulford, Engineering Manager at Llangollen Railway, said a significant amount of preparatory work had already been completed on the railbus.
He said: “This is a genuinely exciting and achievable project. Work already carried out includes asbestos removal, floor repairs, heater overhaul and soundproofing. From an engineering point of view, this is a well-understood vehicle and our volunteers are confident it can be restored to a high standard.”
Ian Smith, Vice Chairman of the Vintage Carriages Trust, said the partnership would allow the railbus to be used in a way that was both practical and responsible.
He said: “Railbus 79962 is an important historic vehicle. This project allows it to be used in a way that is historically meaningful while supporting sustainable access to landscapes like the Dee Valley.”
Under the agreement, the Vintage Carriages Trust will fund the overhaul of the railbus and provide technical advice, operational guidance and, if needed, driver training. Planning is already well advanced ahead of the railbus’s arrival in early 2026.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the project is expected to create new volunteering, training and skills development opportunities, particularly in light traction operation, mechanical systems and heritage restoration.
Llangollen Railway said further updates would be shared as the project progresses.
